Report calls modernization “top priority”
Toronto, November 6, 2020 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) welcomes the recommendations contained in The WSIB in Transition, the final report of an operational review conducted by Linda Regner Dykeman and Sean Speer.
The report makes 25 recommendations aimed at supporting the transformation currently underway at the WSIB to improve outcomes and people’s experience, and to strengthen the overall health and safety system in Ontario.
“This report says we are heading in the right direction with important changes to modernize that will lead to better service for people who need us most,” said Elizabeth Witmer, Chair of the WSIB.
The report credits the WSIB for eliminating its historic unfunded liability in 2018, and makes recommendations to both the WSIB and the Ontario government on key topics including expanding online service options and combatting claim suppression.
“We have already taken steps to implement some of these recommendations, including adding new online services so people can track their claim status, payment, health care and medication coverage,” said Tom Teahen, President and CEO of the WSIB.
The report says the “top priority for the WSIB must be to modernize” in order to replace “paper processing, telephone interactions, and faxing with easy to use online services.”
Since 2018, the WSIB has introduced a number of new online services that improve service options for people, businesses and health care providers, allowing them to:
- Track individual claim status, payment, health care and medication coverage and send direct messages online
- Upload claim-related documents directly to a file, reducing handling time by over 90%
- File an online reconciliation
- Automatically receive a single, general clearance if their business is in good standing
- Securely log in to view and analyze their past claims history and costs
“On behalf of the entire WSIB I want to thank the reviewers for their insights and helpful recommendations,” said Elizabeth Witmer. “We are working with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, our staff, and all stakeholders to review this report and address the gaps and priorities identified.”
For further information, please contact:
WSIB media relations
media@wsib.on.ca